So right about now would be the countdown to the release of the surprise album by Radiohead, King of Limbs. For such a huge band it was pretty amazing when earlier this week they announced that they'd be releasing an entire beautiful album. I feel like this is one of the only bands that could get away with this nowadays; not only have none of the songs leaked, but it seems like no one even knew a release was in the near future! Another surprise (...But really. Is anything a surprise from the against-the-grain and innovation Radiohead now?) the CD was actually realeased today!
Why wait until Saturday when good music can be had now! ...Why wait indeed.
If you didn't get my clever but quite vague hint, click the title of the post! It'll take you right where you need to be.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Really. Who is Esperanza Spalding...
...is something I'm sure a lot of you have either asked or heard since the Grammy's aired on Sunday. I actually wasn't going to write about this surprise, until I read the article you'll see below. Spalding won the Best New Artist award, beating out artists Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence & the Machine, and Mumford & Sons. You can click the title of this post to see it happen again. Now I'm not going to deny that I wasn't one of the few with the question...but instead of bashing and vandalizing her Wikipedia page (oh, yeah. That totally happened. Bieber's fans were so outraged that she won the award they took their anger out online, "updating" her Wiki to include things like "JUSTIN BIEBER DESERVED IT GO DIE IN A HOLE WHO THE HECK ARE YOU ANYWAY?"and "she now has the 2011 Grammy for being the Best New Artist! Even though no one has ever heard of her! Yay!". Read the entire article here) I thought it would be more appropriate to shed some light on someone who obviously should be recognized for a talent instead of being bashed.
I won't go into her entire life story, which is pretty impressive I should point out, but some quick facts:
PS. I know many of you won't take this into account, but the same thing goes for the Biebs. He may be mass-marketed, but he can also play the drums, piano, and guitar. All self taught. No voice lessons were had before he started making his now famous Youtube videos. Just remember: try not to judge anyone, including musicians, before getting to know what they're about!
I won't go into her entire life story, which is pretty impressive I should point out, but some quick facts:
- she taught herself how to play the violin when she was just five years old.
- Even people with extensive training can find it difficult to learn this instrument - She began college when she was 16 and actually started teaching music at a college when she was just 20!
- She's the first jazz artist to win the Best New Artist Grammy
PS. I know many of you won't take this into account, but the same thing goes for the Biebs. He may be mass-marketed, but he can also play the drums, piano, and guitar. All self taught. No voice lessons were had before he started making his now famous Youtube videos. Just remember: try not to judge anyone, including musicians, before getting to know what they're about!
Monday, February 14, 2011
I'll care for you
Michael Bernard Fitzgerald aka MBF played the Starlite room on Saturday, fitting for Valentines Day weekend. He's a genuinely sweet guy from Calgary, Alberta with what seems like not a mean bone (or song) in his body.
Before I gush about MBF, let me talk about his two, thats right two, opening acts: Calm Asa Coma, and Lyra Brown. I hadn't heard about either of these artists before the show. Calm Asa Coma also hails from Calgary, and really impressed me. As a "local" band (Alberta cred), I really enjoyed that they knew how to use their instruments and vocals together, instead of one drowning the other out (a shame that tends to happen a lot with bands). They had a indie-rock flow, but really were surprising for an opening act for MBF.
Even more surprising was Lyra Brown (not typical to see two opening bands for a local artist, in a small venue). I'll be honest, she looked like she was 12, and her backing guitarist & drummer didn't look that much older than that. But she had quirky lyrics and was very dance-able. I'm actually just reading up on her website now, and she has more of a backstory than I previously thought. It's pretty interesting to hear what this young artist has already been up to, take a minute, and read up. She was also the only one performing from Edmonton.
I first saw MBF opening for OK Go last summer in the same venue, and when we heard he was coming back to Edmonton as the main act we bought tickets two months in advance and started counting down the days. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is about this crooner that has so many girl's hearts. I feel that it's that he's just very honest about the way he feels, and doesn't try to use cliched lyrics or phrases to get you to hooked. And yes, its apparent the majority of this songs are about the ladies, but he's not a one-dimensional writer, which can be heard in the songs "Movie Life" or new "In the Woods" (both about living the Hollywood lifestyle).
Now I know I've spoken and described the Starlite Room before, but after attending different venues I'm beignning to relize some of it's unfortunate flaws. The pit is slanted downwards from the stage, so when you're standing it sure does a number on your calves. So much so, that during the 3 set changes at least half of the audience would sit down directly on the floor to avoid the strain (well that's why we sat, and it seemed like most were doing it for the same reasons). Also since the stage is set so high, and we were at the front, about halfway through MBF's set, I started to get cramps in my neck from having to look up. It just makes an otherwise amazing concert a little less so. Also, for some reason, MBF was late to come on stage...quite a bit late, so that it was noticed. He apologized even which was nice to hear, and I was just reading his twitter also apologizing while Lyra Brown must have just been finished.
MBF knows how to entertain a crowd, with his brand of cute-folk-rap. Yes, rap. It's occaisional but just that much more special. It's amazing how long he can rhyme for without taking a breath, and even better when you take that minute to try and soak in every clever lyric.
During a few of the songs he had a large backing band, and I mean large: three fellas in the horn section, a guitarist, bassist, two drummers and three back up singers. Such a big change from the three people on stage during his OK Go opening. And although the others added energy to the show, I'll admit my favourite part was when section by section (and song by song) they would walk off stage, leaving Fitzgerald alone during the middle of the set. With the lights turned way down low, by his request, the room could not have felt more intimate if they had set up candlelight.
It seems like at least one person in the audience was expecting this atmosphere...One of the sweetest thing's I've seen happened during MBF's set, when between "Susie, I love you" and "Care for You", he asked one girl in the audience to turn over her ticket. After a bit of silence, Fitzgerald said "I know you're excited but there's a whole audience that wants to know what that has to say!"...and the response was "Will you marry me?". Don't get in a tizzy like the girl's next to me did, thinking that HE was in fact proposing...but get ready to Aww that the girl's boyfriend had gone through all this trouble to get the proposal just right. Before this it was already the most romantic concert I could think of attending, and after, well there's nothing that can beat that. Now I know how I want to be proposed to.
So many words used to describe Michael Bernard Fitzgerald are overused (and therefore seem less special) for the wrong reasons these days. He's sweet, he cares, he's sentimental. It seems to me that these words are constantly used to decribe fellas, but how often is it blatantly and obviously true (with sincerity, not just to "get with" a girl)?
With songs like Love Your Soul, Can't be Done With You, and Care for You, I dare you to listen and not feel the teeniest bit of real emotion and heart. Not only is it easy to relate to his thoughtful and sweet lyrics, but when hearing his recording, just the same as hearing his voice live, you can feel the emotion through his voice. (Though in my opinion he's one of those rare artists that are much better live than on CD, the only reason being that it is the in-the-moment sincerity that plays such a huge role in his songs)
To sum up: it's a feat not to swoon and get a little weak-kneed for MBF. If the privilege ever gets passed on to your town, don't pass up the chance to let him melt your heart.
Before I gush about MBF, let me talk about his two, thats right two, opening acts: Calm Asa Coma, and Lyra Brown. I hadn't heard about either of these artists before the show. Calm Asa Coma also hails from Calgary, and really impressed me. As a "local" band (Alberta cred), I really enjoyed that they knew how to use their instruments and vocals together, instead of one drowning the other out (a shame that tends to happen a lot with bands). They had a indie-rock flow, but really were surprising for an opening act for MBF.
Even more surprising was Lyra Brown (not typical to see two opening bands for a local artist, in a small venue). I'll be honest, she looked like she was 12, and her backing guitarist & drummer didn't look that much older than that. But she had quirky lyrics and was very dance-able. I'm actually just reading up on her website now, and she has more of a backstory than I previously thought. It's pretty interesting to hear what this young artist has already been up to, take a minute, and read up. She was also the only one performing from Edmonton.
I first saw MBF opening for OK Go last summer in the same venue, and when we heard he was coming back to Edmonton as the main act we bought tickets two months in advance and started counting down the days. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is about this crooner that has so many girl's hearts. I feel that it's that he's just very honest about the way he feels, and doesn't try to use cliched lyrics or phrases to get you to hooked. And yes, its apparent the majority of this songs are about the ladies, but he's not a one-dimensional writer, which can be heard in the songs "Movie Life" or new "In the Woods" (both about living the Hollywood lifestyle).
Now I know I've spoken and described the Starlite Room before, but after attending different venues I'm beignning to relize some of it's unfortunate flaws. The pit is slanted downwards from the stage, so when you're standing it sure does a number on your calves. So much so, that during the 3 set changes at least half of the audience would sit down directly on the floor to avoid the strain (well that's why we sat, and it seemed like most were doing it for the same reasons). Also since the stage is set so high, and we were at the front, about halfway through MBF's set, I started to get cramps in my neck from having to look up. It just makes an otherwise amazing concert a little less so. Also, for some reason, MBF was late to come on stage...quite a bit late, so that it was noticed. He apologized even which was nice to hear, and I was just reading his twitter also apologizing while Lyra Brown must have just been finished.
MBF knows how to entertain a crowd, with his brand of cute-folk-rap. Yes, rap. It's occaisional but just that much more special. It's amazing how long he can rhyme for without taking a breath, and even better when you take that minute to try and soak in every clever lyric.
During a few of the songs he had a large backing band, and I mean large: three fellas in the horn section, a guitarist, bassist, two drummers and three back up singers. Such a big change from the three people on stage during his OK Go opening. And although the others added energy to the show, I'll admit my favourite part was when section by section (and song by song) they would walk off stage, leaving Fitzgerald alone during the middle of the set. With the lights turned way down low, by his request, the room could not have felt more intimate if they had set up candlelight.
It seems like at least one person in the audience was expecting this atmosphere...One of the sweetest thing's I've seen happened during MBF's set, when between "Susie, I love you" and "Care for You", he asked one girl in the audience to turn over her ticket. After a bit of silence, Fitzgerald said "I know you're excited but there's a whole audience that wants to know what that has to say!"...and the response was "Will you marry me?". Don't get in a tizzy like the girl's next to me did, thinking that HE was in fact proposing...but get ready to Aww that the girl's boyfriend had gone through all this trouble to get the proposal just right. Before this it was already the most romantic concert I could think of attending, and after, well there's nothing that can beat that. Now I know how I want to be proposed to.
So many words used to describe Michael Bernard Fitzgerald are overused (and therefore seem less special) for the wrong reasons these days. He's sweet, he cares, he's sentimental. It seems to me that these words are constantly used to decribe fellas, but how often is it blatantly and obviously true (with sincerity, not just to "get with" a girl)?
With songs like Love Your Soul, Can't be Done With You, and Care for You, I dare you to listen and not feel the teeniest bit of real emotion and heart. Not only is it easy to relate to his thoughtful and sweet lyrics, but when hearing his recording, just the same as hearing his voice live, you can feel the emotion through his voice. (Though in my opinion he's one of those rare artists that are much better live than on CD, the only reason being that it is the in-the-moment sincerity that plays such a huge role in his songs)
To sum up: it's a feat not to swoon and get a little weak-kneed for MBF. If the privilege ever gets passed on to your town, don't pass up the chance to let him melt your heart.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Pumped Up Kicks
Just heard this song on the radio and felt that it must be shared with all you kind ladies and gents. Foster the People released the song on January 25, and will be playing at the upcoming Sasquatch Music Festival in Washington in May. Don't hesitate to enjoy Pumped Up Kicks
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
My dear, Michael Rault
This is one artist that is finally getting the recognition he deserves! Michael Rault, all the way from...right here in Edmonton, has just signed a deal with Sony Records. I've been hooked on this fella coming up on 5 years now.
He's just a bit older than me, and from the rumour I had heard when I was introduced to him was that he actually dropped out of high school, on the verge of finishing grade 12, to focus on his music. Now most would think...Are you serious? Every kid dreams of doing that, but really, dropping out during your last year?!
Well however it happened, it was definitely worth it. He had started out as Michael Rault & the Mixed Signals, the "mixed signals" being not just one backing band or instruments, but a collaboration of Rault's friends etc that would play with him, interchangeably. It made for a unique sound. But this time around Michael Rault has decided to go solo.
This piece, "Let me Go Out" was recorded at the ..."Phonics" studio a few days ago and is from Rault's latest album entitled "Ma-Me-O". It's tough to get your hands on, but if you happen to live in Edmonton, check out Blackbyrd Myoozik (either buy album, or get happy from it's name, preferably both).
It's amazing to see a local act starting to get appreciated. He recently finished a tour, or segment of one I'm not sure, opening for Bedouin Soundclash. They played in the city during the end of November, which was the first time after a few years that I'd even heard Rault's name (the only way to get his music before was either directly from him, or Myspace). Sadly, but in a good way, the concert was sold out! Hopefully this new record deal means a lot more from this newbie. He has one of the most unique voices, which has definitely developed over the years.
I can't wait to see what his career has in store for him, and for lucky us!
He's just a bit older than me, and from the rumour I had heard when I was introduced to him was that he actually dropped out of high school, on the verge of finishing grade 12, to focus on his music. Now most would think...Are you serious? Every kid dreams of doing that, but really, dropping out during your last year?!
Well however it happened, it was definitely worth it. He had started out as Michael Rault & the Mixed Signals, the "mixed signals" being not just one backing band or instruments, but a collaboration of Rault's friends etc that would play with him, interchangeably. It made for a unique sound. But this time around Michael Rault has decided to go solo.
This piece, "Let me Go Out" was recorded at the ..."Phonics" studio a few days ago and is from Rault's latest album entitled "Ma-Me-O". It's tough to get your hands on, but if you happen to live in Edmonton, check out Blackbyrd Myoozik (either buy album, or get happy from it's name, preferably both).
It's amazing to see a local act starting to get appreciated. He recently finished a tour, or segment of one I'm not sure, opening for Bedouin Soundclash. They played in the city during the end of November, which was the first time after a few years that I'd even heard Rault's name (the only way to get his music before was either directly from him, or Myspace). Sadly, but in a good way, the concert was sold out! Hopefully this new record deal means a lot more from this newbie. He has one of the most unique voices, which has definitely developed over the years.
I can't wait to see what his career has in store for him, and for lucky us!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Freezing Man Festival 2011
Last Saturday, January 29th, Freezing Man Music Festival came to Edmonton. When I say it came here...I mean it was born and invented right here. The first (annual, hopefully) Canadian version of the wildly popular Californian Burning Man Festival featured many electronica/dance/indie artists, and local DJs. These included Dragonette, Stars, Shout Out Out Out Out, Chromeo, Major Lazer, Broken Social Scene and Kaskade (who unfortunately did not get to perform due to illness).
I think that Dragonette was one of the most surprising performances to me, not that they were the greatest in my opinion, but that I was surprised at the lead vocalists engery. I had them pegged as a couple-hits-band, only on the radio because they could be. But I have to say their set may have changed my view.
Two of the best performances during the entire night were Broken Social Scene and Chromeo, two of the largest names at the festival.
Chromeo's music knew how to reach out to the partiers, extreme fans, and dancers in the crowd, while BSS's many members controlled the audience with their take on indie rock, with more intense instrumentals (especially during their last song, and my very favourite from them, Meet Me in the Basement, which has no vocals)
It was held at the Edmonton Expo Centre (formerly Northlands Agricom) and was completely indoors. The doors opened at 3pm and ran all the way until the wee hours of the morning (about 2am was when Major Lazer finished). It was amazing to see all the different acts in one night, and especially to see all the different fans that came out to the festival. There was everyone from "metal-heads", to "indie" girls, ravers, punks and everything in between.
Not only was there music to keep you entertained, with two stages: the A stage for the "main acts" listed above, as well as B stage for the local artists that would perform during set up and take down of A stage, but there were also 4 carnival rides that made up "Sustainival" - a "green" carnival, where the rides would be powered by such things as French fry grease, a fashion show, and drinks available from doors open!
The only issue I found was with the actual organization of the night. It was difficult to tell at first in which hall in the centre that the even was being held...and then once found we had to walk back outside in order to line up for the security/bag check, and then after get in yet another line for coat-check. Also, about 1200+ people were excepted to attend, yet the entire venue only had two places to eat open, one burger place and one pizza place. This meant that it took over 1 1/2 hours to get food, missing at least 1 possibly two acts. After paying quite the hard-earned money for tickets, and not being allowed to bring in outside food/drink, I didn't expect the long and tiring wait. With a few slight changes to this the festival can definitely have a cool (lame pun intended) future ahead!
I think that Dragonette was one of the most surprising performances to me, not that they were the greatest in my opinion, but that I was surprised at the lead vocalists engery. I had them pegged as a couple-hits-band, only on the radio because they could be. But I have to say their set may have changed my view.
Two of the best performances during the entire night were Broken Social Scene and Chromeo, two of the largest names at the festival.
Chromeo's music knew how to reach out to the partiers, extreme fans, and dancers in the crowd, while BSS's many members controlled the audience with their take on indie rock, with more intense instrumentals (especially during their last song, and my very favourite from them, Meet Me in the Basement, which has no vocals)
It was held at the Edmonton Expo Centre (formerly Northlands Agricom) and was completely indoors. The doors opened at 3pm and ran all the way until the wee hours of the morning (about 2am was when Major Lazer finished). It was amazing to see all the different acts in one night, and especially to see all the different fans that came out to the festival. There was everyone from "metal-heads", to "indie" girls, ravers, punks and everything in between.
Not only was there music to keep you entertained, with two stages: the A stage for the "main acts" listed above, as well as B stage for the local artists that would perform during set up and take down of A stage, but there were also 4 carnival rides that made up "Sustainival" - a "green" carnival, where the rides would be powered by such things as French fry grease, a fashion show, and drinks available from doors open!
The only issue I found was with the actual organization of the night. It was difficult to tell at first in which hall in the centre that the even was being held...and then once found we had to walk back outside in order to line up for the security/bag check, and then after get in yet another line for coat-check. Also, about 1200+ people were excepted to attend, yet the entire venue only had two places to eat open, one burger place and one pizza place. This meant that it took over 1 1/2 hours to get food, missing at least 1 possibly two acts. After paying quite the hard-earned money for tickets, and not being allowed to bring in outside food/drink, I didn't expect the long and tiring wait. With a few slight changes to this the festival can definitely have a cool (lame pun intended) future ahead!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Stand
The latest single from Mother Mother, The Stand
Listen to it as many times as possible, I know I have...and am. Their CD "Eureka" will make it's full debut into the world March 15, 2011. The second single, "Simply Simple" will be released the day before. Are you as excited as I am?!
The Stand - Mother Mother
**Warning: Explicit lyrics**
Tell me your weakness
Oh, I keep it a secret
Oh come on, just one vice
All right, it's vodka on ice
But then there's women on bikes, or just the women who straddle
Oh now you are a handful
I forgot about handfuls
I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all
Tell me your fears
Okay, it's everyone here
You mean just all of the people
Yeah, and all of their peers
And all of their pets, and their chandeliers
And their cigarettes, I haven't smoked in years
I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all
Talk about space.
Well it;s a beautiful place
But it's so damn cold
Just for the human race, but for the planets and the stars
And everything else and Mars
It's like paradise, spread out with a butter knife
I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all
I can hardly stand x2
Everyone's fucked and they don't even know [x2]
Everyone's fucked [x3]
Everyone's fucked and they don't even know [x2]
They dont even know! [x2]
I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all
I can hardly stand [x2]
Everyone's fucked and they don't even know
Everyone's fucked. And they don't even know. Hahaha.
Listen to it as many times as possible, I know I have...and am. Their CD "Eureka" will make it's full debut into the world March 15, 2011. The second single, "Simply Simple" will be released the day before. Are you as excited as I am?!
The Stand - Mother Mother
**Warning: Explicit lyrics**
Tell me your weakness
Oh, I keep it a secret
Oh come on, just one vice
All right, it's vodka on ice
But then there's women on bikes, or just the women who straddle
Oh now you are a handful
I forgot about handfuls
I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all
Tell me your fears
Okay, it's everyone here
You mean just all of the people
Yeah, and all of their peers
And all of their pets, and their chandeliers
And their cigarettes, I haven't smoked in years
I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all
Talk about space.
Well it;s a beautiful place
But it's so damn cold
Just for the human race, but for the planets and the stars
And everything else and Mars
It's like paradise, spread out with a butter knife
I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all
I can hardly stand x2
Everyone's fucked and they don't even know [x2]
Everyone's fucked [x3]
Everyone's fucked and they don't even know [x2]
They dont even know! [x2]
I can hardly stand the sight of it all
I can hardly stand the sound of it all
I can hardly stand the taste of it all
I can hardly stand the smell of it all
I can hardly stand [x2]
Everyone's fucked and they don't even know
Everyone's fucked. And they don't even know. Hahaha.
Not Sick
Call me a slacker. I was just about to give you the best review of your life (made up on the spot of course) for Freezing Man Festival 2011. And then I realized that I never gave you a dose of Tokyo Police Club with Two Door Cinema Club at Club Soda in Montreal (did you get your "club" fill yet? No? Get ready for the mother load).
As said above the concert was at Club Soda in Montreal, just off Saint Catherine St. It's a really cool venue, much like the Starlite Room in Edmonton. A larger "pit" with tall bar tables and stools surrounding. There is also an upstairs balcony area with a bar and seating that not only surrounds the top of the "pit" (I'm going to stop air quoting this...losing flow, and I think you know what I mean!), but also extends back on top of where merch and coatcheck would be on the main level. Although the set up of the venue makes for a larger crowd...the acoustics were not always the greatest. The opening band PS. I Love You (heard on CBC radio 3) was made up of two members, one guitarist and one drummer. They seemed like they good have a good sound, albeit slightly generic, but it was hard to really tell because of the poor sound. I'm not sure if it was because the space wasn't full yet, and there was a lot of "settling noise" (you know, when people are arriving etc) unfortunately. They played a set of about 7-8 songs, but nothing very memorable.
The band that seemed to be co-headlining this tour was Two Door Cinema Club out of the U.K. I'm not sure if this is how it was meant to be. For a lot of the show the crowd was going crazy for this indie/brit-pop-esque band. And it was easy to see why; they had their own indie rock sound that was constantly energetic and catchy, without the cliche part of catchy. The band sounds very different live than their album version of themselves, in a very very good way! They had their own character, even in such a distant (from the band) venue. One of my favourites is "Eat that up, It's good for you". Their newest album is called "Tourist History" which is definitely worth a listen.
Even though it did seem like the Montrealers (Montrolians? ...People who reside in beautiful Montreal...) were cheering their hardest for TDCC, they still had their lungs going for TPC (why, Tokyo Police Club, of course!) The last time I was able to see these guys was back in 2007, during a summer festival they have here in my city. Luckily it was just before they started making it big time, and I got to meet them, get autographs and even get a hug from the lead vocalist, Dave Monks (my first brush with celebrity that got me addicted ;) These were some of the nicest guys ever, and I'm sure they haven't changed. In a big venue like this it was dang near impossible to get near them, especially as we watched eagle-eyed from the balcony. They played an amazing set full of songs from their latest album "Champ". Two of their older songs, that I adore, "Nature of the Experiment" and "Your English is Good", were also included in the set. Monks has his own distinct but well-toned voice, and it's easy to see that the sound of the band has grown during the past few years. It seems difficult for many bands to improve their sound without changing it entirely or sounded too "mainstream", but Tokyo Police Club is definitely up to the challenge and handles it like already seasoned pros. Here's a taste of their live show (I'm not sure how much justice is done with the shaky camera, but it just gives you a reason to go see their show for real!): Bambi - Live in Montreal.
Speaking of TPC. I'll be seeing them again in April! They've just announced a tour with Said the Whale and Dinosaur Bones. If you're in the Edmonton area April 18, join me at the Starlite Room. They're always a good show, and adding Canadian band Said the Whale will make it even better!
As said above the concert was at Club Soda in Montreal, just off Saint Catherine St. It's a really cool venue, much like the Starlite Room in Edmonton. A larger "pit" with tall bar tables and stools surrounding. There is also an upstairs balcony area with a bar and seating that not only surrounds the top of the "pit" (I'm going to stop air quoting this...losing flow, and I think you know what I mean!), but also extends back on top of where merch and coatcheck would be on the main level. Although the set up of the venue makes for a larger crowd...the acoustics were not always the greatest. The opening band PS. I Love You (heard on CBC radio 3) was made up of two members, one guitarist and one drummer. They seemed like they good have a good sound, albeit slightly generic, but it was hard to really tell because of the poor sound. I'm not sure if it was because the space wasn't full yet, and there was a lot of "settling noise" (you know, when people are arriving etc) unfortunately. They played a set of about 7-8 songs, but nothing very memorable.
The band that seemed to be co-headlining this tour was Two Door Cinema Club out of the U.K. I'm not sure if this is how it was meant to be. For a lot of the show the crowd was going crazy for this indie/brit-pop-esque band. And it was easy to see why; they had their own indie rock sound that was constantly energetic and catchy, without the cliche part of catchy. The band sounds very different live than their album version of themselves, in a very very good way! They had their own character, even in such a distant (from the band) venue. One of my favourites is "Eat that up, It's good for you". Their newest album is called "Tourist History" which is definitely worth a listen.
Even though it did seem like the Montrealers (Montrolians? ...People who reside in beautiful Montreal...) were cheering their hardest for TDCC, they still had their lungs going for TPC (why, Tokyo Police Club, of course!) The last time I was able to see these guys was back in 2007, during a summer festival they have here in my city. Luckily it was just before they started making it big time, and I got to meet them, get autographs and even get a hug from the lead vocalist, Dave Monks (my first brush with celebrity that got me addicted ;) These were some of the nicest guys ever, and I'm sure they haven't changed. In a big venue like this it was dang near impossible to get near them, especially as we watched eagle-eyed from the balcony. They played an amazing set full of songs from their latest album "Champ". Two of their older songs, that I adore, "Nature of the Experiment" and "Your English is Good", were also included in the set. Monks has his own distinct but well-toned voice, and it's easy to see that the sound of the band has grown during the past few years. It seems difficult for many bands to improve their sound without changing it entirely or sounded too "mainstream", but Tokyo Police Club is definitely up to the challenge and handles it like already seasoned pros. Here's a taste of their live show (I'm not sure how much justice is done with the shaky camera, but it just gives you a reason to go see their show for real!): Bambi - Live in Montreal.
Speaking of TPC. I'll be seeing them again in April! They've just announced a tour with Said the Whale and Dinosaur Bones. If you're in the Edmonton area April 18, join me at the Starlite Room. They're always a good show, and adding Canadian band Said the Whale will make it even better!
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